Radio communication system, base station, communication method, mobile station, and computer-readable medium

ABSTRACT

A base station ( 1 ) is connectable to a mobile station ( 4 ) by a plurality of Radio Access Technologies (RATs) including first and second RATs. The base station ( 1 ) is configured to be able to use a communication path ( 400 ) that passes through a first upstream network ( 140 ) corresponding to the first RAT, when the mobile station ( 4 ) performs communication via the second RAT. This enables, for example, efficient use of the upstream networks when the Multi-RAT base station ( 1 ) supports a plurality of upstream networks.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a National Stage of International Application No.PCT/JP2012/003036, filed on May 9, 2012, which claims priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2011-176785, On Aug. 12, 2011, thecontents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to Inter-RAT handover of a mobile stationbetween radio access technologies (RATs) in a radio communication systemincluding a base station that supports a plurality of radio accesstechnologies.

BACKGROUND ART

To cope with the diversification of radio access technologies (RATs),3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) specifies handovers betweenRATs standardized by 3GPP, for example, a handover between UTRAN (UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access Network) and E-UTRAN (Evolved UTRAN) and ahandover between E-UTRAN and GERAN (GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network) (seeNon Patent Literature 1). Further, 3GPP has studied handovers betweenthe RATs standardized by 3GPP and other RATs (non-3GPP RATs) (see NonPatent Literature 2). Specific examples of the non-3GPP RATs include awireless LAN standardized by IEEE802.11, WiMAX (WorldwideInteroperability for Microwave Access) standardized by IEEE 802.16, andcdma2000 standardized by 3GPP2 (3rd Generation Partnership Project 2).

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a network configuration example in the caseof connecting a mobile station to a core network (EPC (Evolved PacketCore)) of 3GPP via a plurality of RATs, which has been studied by 3GPP.Referring to FIG. 14, a mobile station (UE) 4 supports a plurality ofRATs including E-UTRAN, UTRAN, and a non-3GPP RAT. A base station (eNB)11 supports E-UTRAN specified by 3GPP, generates an E-UTRAN cell 10, andis connected to the mobile station (UE) 4. The base station (eNB) 11relays user data between an EPC 40 and the mobile station 4.

The EPC 40 is a core network corresponding to E-UTRAN specified by 3GPP.The EPC 40 includes an S-GW (Serving Gateway) 41, a P-GW (Packet DataNetwork Gateway) 42, and an MME (Mobility Management Entity) 43. TheS-GW 41 and the P-GW 42 are transfer nodes that transfer user data. TheP-GW 42 functions as a gateway to an external network 70, and terminatesa communication path (i.e. an EPS (Evolved Packet System) bearer)between the mobile station 4 and the EPC 40. The external network 70 iscalled PDN (Protocol Data Network) in 3GPP. The MME 43 performs mobilitymanagement and bearer management for the mobile station (UE) 4. Thebearer management performed by the MME 43 includes management ofinformation (such as a QoS class, a bearer ID, and bearer pathinformation) relating to a configuration of the communication path (i.e.the EPS bearer) between the mobile station (UE) 4 and the P-GW 42, andsignaling for bearer setup to the base station (eNB) 11, the mobilestation (UE) 4, the S-GW 41, and the like.

A base station (NB) 21 supports UTRAN specified by 3GPP, generates aUTRAN cell 20, and is connected to the mobile station (UE) 4. The basestation (NB) 21 relays user data between the mobile station 4 and anupstream network including an RNC (Radio Network Controller) 22 and aGPRS packet core 50. The RNC 22 is a node that performs radio resourcemanagement for the UTRAN including the base station (NB) 21.

The GPRS packet core 50 is a core network corresponding to UTRANspecified by 3GPP. The GPRS packet core 50 includes an SGSN (ServingGPRS Support Node) 51 serving as a control node and a transfer node. TheSGSN 51 performs mobility management and bearer management for themobile station (UE) 4, and performs processing of transferring userdata. Uplink user data transmitted from the mobile station (UE) 4belonging to the base station (NB) 21 is transferred to the EPC 40 viathe RNC 22 and the SGSN 51, and is transferred to the external network70 via the P-GW 42. Downlink user data is also transferred via the EPC40 and the GPRS packet core 50 in the same manner as the uplink userdata.

A base station (AP (Access Point)) 31 supports a non-3GPP RAT, such ascdma2000, WiMAX, or a wireless LAN, generates a non-3GPP cell 30, and isconnected to the mobile station (UE) 4. The base station (AP) 31 relaysuser data between a non-3GPP upstream network 60 and the mobile station4.

An HLR (Home Location Register)/HSS (Home Subscriber Server) 44 managesan identifier, authentication information, positional information, andthe like of the mobile station (UE) 4. The HLR/HSS 44 collaborates withthe MME 43 and the SGSN 51, and performs authentication processing whenthe mobile station (UE) 4 attaches to the EPC 40 and the GPRS packetcore 50.

The non-3GPP upstream network 60 is an upstream network corresponding tothe non-3GPP RAT supported by the base station (AP) 31. The non-3GPPupstream network 60 includes a transfer node 61 that transfers userdata, and a control node 62 that performs, for example, bearermanagement and mobility management. Uplink user data transmitted fromthe mobile station (UE) 4 belonging to the base station (AP) 31 istransferred to the EPC 40 via the transfer node 61, and is transferredto the external network 70 via the P-GW 42. Downlink user data is alsotransferred via the EPC 40 and the non-3GPP upstream network 60 in thesame manner as the uplink user data.

The non-3GPP upstream network 60 includes a RAN node and a core networknode. In the case of WiMAX, the non-3GPP upstream network 60 includes,for example, an ASN GW (Access Network Gateway) disposed in a radioaccess network (WiMAX Access Service Network (ASN), and a HA (HomeAgent) disposed in a core network (Core Services Network (CSN)). Each ofthe ASN GW and the HA corresponds to both the transfer node 61 and thecontrol node 62.

As described above, in the architecture shown in FIG. 14, user datatransmitted and received between the external network 70 and the mobilestation 4 is transferred via the P-GW 42 disposed in the EPC 40. Inother words, in the architecture shown in FIG. 14, the P-GW 42 disposedin the EPC 40 operates as an anchor node when the mobile station (UE) 4performs a handover between the base stations 11, 21, and 31 whichsupport different RATs.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

-   [NPL1] 3GPP TS23.401 v10.3.0, “General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)    enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network    (E-UTRAN) access”, March 2011-   [NPL2] 3GPP TS23.402 v10.3.0, “Architecture enhancements for    non-3GPP accesses”, March 2011

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The inventors of the present application have studied a connectionbetween upstream networks and a Multi-RAT base station that supports aplurality of RATs. As with the relation between E-UTRAN and EPCdescribed above, a relation between a RAT and an upstream network isdetermined in advance. Accordingly, it is generally considered that theMulti-RAT base station is configured to be connected to a plurality ofupstream networks and establish a communication path for transfer ofuser data between the base station and the upstream networkcorresponding to the RAT used for connection with a mobile station.However, the inventors of the present application have found that suchselection of an upstream network by the Multi-RAT base station is notalways efficient.

For example, an Inter-RAT handover under the Multi-RAT base station willnow be considered. As described above, Non Patent Literatures 1 and 2disclose an Inter-RAT handover. Before and after such an Inter-RAThandover, the upstream network to which the mobile station (UE) 4belongs is changed, so that the route of a communication path (e.g., anEPS bearer, a PDN connection, or an IPsec tunnel) for user data is alsochanged. This necessitates signaling for reserving resources used forthe communication path for user data after the handover. In addition,Non Patent Literature 2 discloses an Inter-RAT handover between a 3GPPRAT (e.g., UTRAN, E-UTRAN) and a non-3GPP RAT (e.g., a wireless LAN,WiMAX, cdma2000). In the case of a handover between RATs compliant withdifferent standards, an authentication system for the mobile station(UE) 4 is not generally shared between two different upstream networksused before and after the handover. Therefore, in the handover betweenRATs compliant with different standards, a handover target system(upstream network) needs to perform the re-authentication processing forthe mobile station (UE) 4. In general, the authentication processing isperformed in a manner similar to that during an initial connection(attach) of the mobile station (UE) 4 to an upstream network.

When the Multi-RAT base station performs the Inter-RAT handoverdisclosed in Non Patent Literatures 1 and 2, it takes a long time toperform the bearer switching processing and authentication processingfor the mobile station (UE). This increases the possibility of a failureof the handover.

Not only in the case of the Inter-RAT handover, but also in the case ofestablishing a communication path with an upstream network in responseto the initial attach of the mobile station, it is desirable to be ableto select an upstream network more flexibly, irrespective of theexisting relation between a RAT and an upstream network. An object ofthe present invention is to provide a radio communication system, a basestation, a communication method, a mobile station, and a program, whichare capable of efficiently using upstream networks when the Multi-RATbase station supports a plurality of upstream networks.

Solution to Problem

A first aspect includes a radio communication system. The radiocommunication system includes a base station and a plurality of upstreamnetworks. The base station is configured to be connectable to a mobilestation via a plurality of radio access technologies including first andsecond radio access technologies. The upstream networks include a firstupstream network corresponding to the first radio access technology anda second upstream network corresponding to the second radio accesstechnology. Further, the base station is configured to be able to use afirst communication path that passes through the first upstream network,when the mobile station performs communication via the second radioaccess technology.

A second aspect includes a base station that is connectable to a mobilestation by a plurality of radio access technologies including first andsecond radio access technologies. The base station includes acommunication path control unit configured to be able to use acommunication path that passes through a first upstream networkcorresponding to the first radio access technology, when the mobilestation performs communication via the second radio access technology.

A third aspect includes a communication method for a base station thatis connectable to a mobile station by a plurality of radio accesstechnologies, including first and second radio access technologies. Themethod includes using a first communication path that passes through afirst upstream network corresponding to the first radio accesstechnology, when the mobile station performs communication via thesecond radio access technology.

A fourth aspect includes a mobile station used in a radio communicationsystem. The radio communication system includes a plurality of upstreamnetworks and a base station. The plurality of upstream networks includea first upstream network corresponding to a first radio accesstechnology and a second upstream network corresponding to a second radioaccess technology. The base station is configured to be connectable tothe mobile station by a plurality of radio access technologies includingthe first and second radio access technologies, and is configured to beable to use a first communication path that passes through the firstupstream network when the mobile station performs communication via thesecond radio access technology. The mobile station according to thisaspect is configured to be connected to the base station via at leastone of the first and second radio access technologies.

A fifth aspect includes a program for causing a computer to execute themethod according to the third aspect described above.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the above-mentioned aspects, it is possible to provide aradio communication system, a base station, a communication method, amobile station, and a program, which are capable of efficiently usingupstream networks when a Multi-RAT base station supports a plurality ofupstream networks.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radiocommunication system including a base station according to a firstembodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the basestation according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication operation ofthe base station according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an Inter-RAT handoverprocedure according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an Inter-RAT handover procedureaccording to a comparative example;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a procedure forexecuting an Inter-RAT handover by a base station according to thesecond embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an Inter-RAT handoverprocedure according to a third embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of a procedure forexecuting an Inter-RAT handover by a base station according to the thirdembodiment;

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radiocommunication system including a base station according to a fourthembodiment;

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an Inter-RAThandover procedure (from E-UTRAN to UTRAN) according to the fourthembodiment;

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an Inter-RAThandover procedure (from E-UTRAN to non-3GPP RAT) according to thefourth embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationprocedure (mobile station attach procedure) according to a fifthembodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation performed by abase station during the mobile station attach procedure according to thefifth embodiment; and

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a first configuration example of a radiocommunication system according to the background art.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail withreference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or correspondingelements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a repeatedexplanation is omitted as needed for clarity of the explanation.

<First Embodiment>

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a radiocommunication system including a Multi-RAT base station 1 according tothis embodiment. The base station 1 supports at least two different RATsand is connectable to a mobile station by the at least two RATs. In theexample shown in FIG. 1, the base station 1 generates a first cell 100by a first RAT and a second cell 120 by a second RAT, and communicateswith a mobile station 4. The base station 1 is connectable to a firstupstream network 140 corresponding to the first RAT and to a secondupstream network 150 corresponding to the second RAT.

The first upstream network 140 includes transfer nodes 141 and 142 and acontrol node 143. The transfer nodes 141 and 142 relay user data, whichis transmitted and received between the base station 1 and an externalnetwork 70, by using a communication path 400 that is establishedbetween the base station 1 and the transfer node 141. The communicationpath 400 is a physically or logically established communication paththat is used for transfer of user data. User data is relayed between themobile station 4 and the transfer node 141 through the communicationpath 400 and a radio bearer (radio link) between the base station 1 andthe mobile station 4. The communication path 400 is, for example, an S1bearer, an S5/S8 bearer, a GTP (GPRS Tunneling Protocol) tunnel, a GRE(Generic Routing Encapsulation) tunnel of PMIP (Proxy Mobile IP), or anIPsec tunnel, or a combination of at least two of them.

The transfer node 142 operates as a gateway to the external network 70,and terminates the communication path 400 that is established betweenthe transfer node 142 and the base station 1 to transfer user data. Thecontrol node 143 performs mobility management and bearer management forthe mobile station 4. The bearer management performed by the controlnode 143 includes management of information (such as a QoS class, abearer ID, and bearer path information) relating to a configuration ofcommunication paths, including the communication path 400 between themobile station 4 and the transfer node 142, and signaling for bearersetup to the base station 1, the mobile station 4, the transfer node141, and the like. The transfer nodes 141 and 142 and the control node143 shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrated as functional elements. Thatis, at least two of the transfer node 141, the transfer node 142 and thecontrol node 143 may be realized by a single physical node.Alternatively, the functions of the three nodes may be realized by fouror more physical nodes.

The second upstream network 150 includes a transfer node 151 and acontrol node 152. The transfer node 151 has a function of relaying userdata between the base station 1 and the transfer node 141 (or thetransfer node 142). The control node 152 performs mobility managementand bearer management for the mobile station 4 connected to a RANcorresponding to the second RAT. The transfer node 151 and the controlnode 152 shown in FIG. 1 are merely illustrated as functional elements.That is, the transfer node 151 and the control node 152 may be realizedby a signal physical node. Alternatively, the functions of the two nodesmay be shared by three or more physical nodes.

The mobile station 4 supports the first and second RATs, and isconnectable to the first cell 110 and the second cell 120. The mobilestation 4 may be selectively connected to one of the first cell 110 andthe second cell 120. The mobile station 4 may be connectedsimultaneously to both the first cell 110 and the second cell 120. Inother words, the mobile station 4 is connectable to the base station 1by selectively using one of the first and second RATs, or by using boththe first and second RATs. The mobile station 4 may be configured to beable to perform handover between the two RATs (between the cell 110 andthe cell 120).

The Multi-RAT base station 1 according to this embodiment is configuredto be able to use the communication path 400, which passes through thefirst upstream network 140 without passing through the second upstreamnetwork 150, for data transfer between the mobile station 4 and theexternal network 70 in the case of performing communication with themobile station 4 via the second RAT. In other words, the base station 1can transfer user data without using the communication path (such as aGTP tunnel, a GRE tunnel, or an IPsec tunnel) that passes through thesecond upstream network 150 corresponding to the second RAT. To put itanother way, the base station 1 can transfer user data by using anotherupstream network (the first upstream network 140) different from theupstream network (the second upstream network 150) linked to the secondRAT for performing communication with the mobile station 4.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of theMulti-RAT base station 1. A radio communication unit 101-1 supports thefirst RAT, generates the first cell 110, and performs radiocommunication with the mobile station 4. A radio communication unit101-2 supports the second RAT, generates the second cell 120, andperforms radio communication with the mobile station 4.

A communication unit 102 is an interface used for communication with thefirst and second upstream networks 140 and 150. Specifically, thecommunication unit 102 transmits and receives user data and controlmessage to and from the transfer node 141, the control node 143, thetransfer node 151, and the control node 152.

A communication path control unit 103 controls configuration of thecommunication paths between the base station 1 and each of the upstreamnetworks 140 and 150. Specifically, the communication path control unit103 may control an Inter-RAT handover for switching a connection withthe mobile station 4 from the first RAT (the first cell 110) to thesecond RAT (the second cell 120), and may control configuration of thecommunication path during the handover.

The communication path control unit 103 may select a communication path,which is used for transfer of user data, from among communication paths(including the communication path 400) that pass through differentroutes in upstream networks (including the upstream networks 140 and150). The communication path control unit 103 may select a communicationpath based on a predetermined condition. The predetermined condition maybe determined in consideration of the respective states (a communicationload, connectability of the base station 1, etc.) of the upstreamnetworks. The predetermined condition may be determined in considerationof the RAT used by a nearby base station located in the vicinity of thebase station 1.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the communication operationof the base station 1 according to this embodiment. In step S11, thebase station 1 is connected to the mobile station 4 via the second RAT.In step S12, the base station 1 transmits and receives user data to andfrom the transfer node 142 by using the communication path 400 thatpasses through the first upstream network 140 without passing throughthe second upstream network 150.

As described above, the Multi-RAT base station 1 according to thisembodiment can use, for transfer of user data, the communication paththrough the upstream network which does not correspond to the RAT usedfor connection of the Multi-RAT base station 1 with the mobile station4. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the flexibility inconfiguration of the communication path between the base station and theupstream network can be improved in the radio communication systemincluding the Multi-RAT base station.

<Second Embodiment>

The first embodiment described above illustrates the operation in whichthe Multi-RAT base station 1 uses, for transfer of user data, thecommunication path through the upstream network which does notcorrespond to the RAT used for connection of the Multi-RAT base station1 with the mobile station 4. In this embodiment, a specific example ofthis operation will be described in which the configuration of thecommunication path is controlled during the Inter-RAT handover forswitching the connection with the mobile station 4 from the first RAT(the first cell 110) to the second RAT (the second cell 120). Aconfiguration example of a mobile communication system according to thisembodiment may be similar to the example of the first embodiment shownin FIG. 1. The configuration of the Multi-RAT base station according tothis embodiment may be similar to that of the block diagram shown inFIG. 2.

The base station 1 according to this embodiment controls the Inter-RAThandover for switching the connection with the mobile station 4 from thefirst RAT (the first cell 110) to the second RAT (the second cell 120).The control of the Inter-RAT handover by the base station 1 includes,for example, determining the execution of the Inter-RAT handover,preparing radio resources in a handover target (the first cell 110 orthe second cell 120), and requesting the mobile station 4 to switch aconnection destination cell (RAT).

Further, the base station 1 is configured so as not to change the routeof the communication path 400, which is established between the basestation 1 and the transfer node 142, before and after the Inter-RAThandover. In other words, when the mobile station 4 performs a handoverfrom the first RAT (the first cell 110) to the second RAT (the secondcell 120), the base station 1 continuously uses the communication path(bearer) 400, which is established before the handover, for transfer ofuser data even after the Inter-RAT handover, without changing the routeof the communication path 400 so that it passes through the secondupstream network 150.

The base station 1 may operate in the following manner to continuouslyuse the communication path 400, which is established before theInter-RAT handover, even after the handover. For example, the basestation 1 may inhibit transmission, to the first and second upstreamnetworks 140 and 150, of a control message for requesting to change theroute of the communication path 400. Alternatively, the base station 1may send the control message, which indicates that there is no need tochange the route of the communication path 400, to the control node 143of the first upstream network 140 and the control node 152 of the secondupstream network 150. In still another alternative, the base station 1may notify the control node 152 of the second upstream network 150 or anauthentication system (not shown) that there is no need tore-authenticate the mobile station 4.

Upon receiving an attach request (authentication request) from themobile station 4 to attach the second upstream network 150, the basestation 1 may inhibit transfer of the attach request to the secondupstream network 150. The base station 1 may also send, to the mobilestation 4, a control message indicating that there is no need to sendthe attach request (authentication request) to attach the secondupstream network 150. The control message sent to the mobile station 4may be transmitted as a handover request. For example, the base station1 may send a handover request including identification informationindicating a special handover under the Multi-RAT base station.

As described above, a configuration example of the Multi-RAT basestation 1 according to this embodiment may be similar to that shown inFIG. 2. However, in this embodiment, the communication path control unit103 controls the Inter-RAT handover for switching the connection withthe mobile station 4 from the first RAT (the first cell 110) to thesecond RAT (the second cell 120). More specifically, the communicationpath control unit 103 determines the execution of the Inter-RAThandover. Specific examples of handover triggering factors includedegradation of the downlink reception quality of the mobile station 4,an increase in load of the base station 1, and a voluntary request fromthe mobile station 4. As a typical example, the communication pathcontrol unit 103 receives from the mobile station 4 a measurement reporton the downlink radio quality, and determines initiation of a handoveron condition that reception quality of an adjacent cell (e.g., thesecond cell 120) is better than that of the current cell (e.g., thefirst cell 110). The communication path control unit 103 requests theradio communication unit 101-2 to prepare radio resources of thehandover target (e.g., the second cell 120), and requests the mobilestation 4 to switch the connection destination cell.

Hereinafter, an Inter-RAT handover procedure according to thisembodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing anexample of the Inter-RAT handover procedure according to thisembodiment. In step S21, the mobile station 4 is connected to theMulti-RAT base station 1 via the first RAT (the first cell 110), andperforms data communication with the transfer node 142 through the basestation 1 and the first upstream network 140. As described above, thetransfer node 142 is a gateway to the external network 70, and relaysuser data between the external network 70 and the communication path 400which is established between the transfer node 142 and the mobilestation 4.

In step S22, the base station 1 determines the execution of theInter-RAT handover from the first RAT (the first cell 110) to the secondRAT (the second cell 120), and the base station 1 and the mobile station4 prepare for the Inter-RAT handover. The preparation for the Inter-RAThandover includes preparing radio resources of the second RAT (thesecond cell 120) as a handover target, and requesting from the basestation 1 to the mobile station 4 to switch the connection destinationcell (RAT). However, as described above, the base station 1 does notchange the route of the communication path 400, which is establishedbetween the case station 1 and the transfer node 142, before and afterthe Inter-RAT handover. Accordingly, in the example shown in FIG. 4, thebase station 1 inhibits transmission, to the first and second upstreamnetworks 140 and 150, of the control message for requesting to changethe route of the communication path 400.

In step S23, the mobile station 4 sends a connection request to the basestation 1 via the second RAT, and is connected to the second cell 120.In step S24, the mobile station 4 is connected to the Multi-RAT basestation 1 via the second RAT (the second cell 120), and performs datacommunication with the transfer node 142 through the base station 1 andthe first upstream network 140.

For comparison with the handover procedure shown in FIG. 4, an examplewill be described in which the route of the communication path 400 ischanged before and after the Inter-RAT handover. FIG. 5 is a sequencediagram showing an Inter-RAT handover procedure according to acomparative example. Step S101 is similar to step S21 shown in FIG. 4.Specifically, the mobile station 4 is connected to the Multi-RAT basestation 1 via the first RAT (the first cell 110), and performs datacommunication with the transfer node 142 through the base station 1 andthe first upstream network 140.

In step S102, the base station 1 determines the execution of theInter-RAT handover from the first RAT (the first cell 110) to the secondRAT (the second cell 120). At this time, the base station 1 performssignaling with at least one of the first and second upstream networks140 and 150 so as to carry out bearer setup by reserving resource of thesecond upstream network 150. For example, the base station 1 sends acontrol message for requesting the control node 143 of the firstupstream network 140 to relocate a bearer. Upon receiving the controlmessage from the base station 1, the control node 143 sends a controlmessage for requesting a bearer setup to the transfer node 151 or thecontrol node 152 of the second upstream network 150. Then, the basestation 1 requests the mobile station 4 to switch the connectiondestination cell (RAT) on condition that the bearer setup in the secondupstream network 150 is completed.

In step S103, the mobile station 4 sends a connection request to thebase station 1 via the second RAT, and is connected to the second cell120. In step S104, the mobile station 4 which has been connected to thesecond cell 120 executes authentication processing with the secondupstream network 150 corresponding to the second RAT. The authenticationprocessing in step S104 may be omitted when an authentication systemcommon to the first and second upstream networks 140 and 150 is used(for example, in the case of an EPC and a GPRS packet core as specifiedby 3GPP).

In step S105, the base station 1 sends a bearer switching request to thetransfer node 142 via the second upstream network 150. In response tothis request, the transfer node 142 executes reconfiguration of thebearer to change the route of the communication path 400 so that itpasses through the second upstream network 150. In step S106, the mobilestation 4 is connected to the Multi-RAT base station 1 via the secondRAT (the second cell 120), and performs data communication with thetransfer node 142 through the base station 1 and the second upstreamnetwork 150.

As is seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, in the handover procedure shown in FIG.4, there is no need of reserving resources and establishing a bearer inthe second upstream network 150, and there is no need of signaling forchanging the route of the communication path 400. The authenticationprocessing (step S104) of the mobile station 4 can also be omitted.Thus, according to the handover procedure shown in FIG. 4, the load ofthe handover processing can be reduced when the Inter-RAT handover ofthe mobile station 4 is performed between the two RATS managed by theMulti-RAT base station 1.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the procedure forexecuting the Inter-RAT handover by the Multi-RAT base station 1. StepsS31 to S33 shown in FIG. 6 correspond to the handover preparation (stepS22) shown in FIG. 4. Specifically, in step S31, the communication pathcontrol unit 103 of the base station 1 determines the execution of theInter-RAT handover from the first RAT (the first cell 110) to the secondRAT (the second cell 120). In step S32, the communication path controlunit 103 collaborates with the radio communication unit 101-2 andreserves radio resources in the second RAT. In step S33, thecommunication path control unit 103 instructs, via the radiocommunication unit 101-1, the mobile station 4 to execute the handover.

In step S34, the communication path control unit 103 determines whetherthe connection request from the mobile station 4 has been received viathe second RAT (the second cell 120). When the connection request fromthe mobile station 4 has been received (YES in step S34), thecommunication path control unit 103 collaborates with the radiocommunication unit 101-2 and executes connection processing for themobile station 4. When the connection request from the mobile station 4has not been received (NO in step S34), the communication path controlunit 103 returns to step S34 to receive the connection request.

As described above, the Multi-RAT base station 1 according to thisembodiment is configured not to change the route of the communicationpath 400, which is established between the base station 1 and thetransfer node 142, before and after the Inter-RAT handover. In otherwords, when the mobile station 4 performs the Inter-RAT handover fromthe first RAT (the first cell 110) to the second RAT (the second cell120), the base station 1 continuously uses the communication path(bearer) 400, which is established before the Inter-RAT handover, fortransfer of user data even after the Inter-RAT handover, withoutchanging the communication path 400 so that it passes through the secondupstream network 150. This eliminates the need for the Multi-RAT basestation 1 and the upstream networks 140 and 150 to execute processingfor changing the route of the bearer, leading to a reduction in load ofthe processing required for the Inter-RAT handover.

<Third Embodiment>

In this embodiment, a modification of the Inter-RAT handover proceduredescribed in the second embodiment will be described. The Inter-RAThandover procedure described with reference to FIG. 4 illustrates anexample in which the control message requesting modification of theroute of the communication path 400 is inhibited from being sent fromthe base station 1 to the upstream networks 140 and 150. This embodimentillustrates an example in which the control message indicating thatthere is no need to change the route of the communication path 400 issent to at least one of the upstream networks 140 and 150 from the basestation 1. A configuration example of a mobile communication systemaccording to this embodiment may be similar to the example of the firstembodiment shown in FIG. 1. The configuration of the Multi-RAT basestation according to this embodiment may be similar to that of the blockdiagram shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the Inter-RAThandover procedure according to this embodiment. Processings andoperations to be carried out in steps S21, S22, S23, and S24 shown inFIG. 7 are the same as those in the steps denoted by the same referencesymbols as those in FIG. 4. In steps S41-1 and S41-2 shown in FIG. 7,the Multi-RAT base station 1 sends handover information to the upstreamnetworks 140 and 150 respectively corresponding to the first RAT and thesecond RAT. The handover information notifies the upstream networks 140and 150 that there is no need to change the route of the communicationpath 400. The handover information includes, for example, informationindicating that the Inter-RAT handover is performed within the Multi-RATbase station. The handover information may also include an identifier(e.g., IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity), TMSI (TemporaryMobile Subscriber Identity), or M-TMSI (MME-TMSI)) of the mobile station4 that performs the Inter-RAT handover.

The base station 1 may send the handover information to only one of theupstream networks 140 and 150. Specifically, the base station 1 may sendthe handover information to one of the upstream networks 140 and 150(e.g., the network 140) that includes a node (e.g., the control node143) to be subjected to the control for changing a route of a bearer.The handover information may be sent from one of the upstream networks(e.g., the network 140) to the other upstream network (e.g., the network150).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a specific example of the procedure forexecuting the Inter-RAT handover by the Multi-RAT base station 1according to this embodiment. Processings and operations to be carriedout in steps S31 to S35 shown in FIG. 8 are the same as those in thesteps denoted by the same reference symbols as those in FIG. 6. In stepS51 shown in FIG. 8, the communication path control unit 103 sends thehandover information to at least one of the upstream networks 140 and150 via the communication unit 102.

As described above, in this embodiment, the Multi-RAT base station 1sends, to at least one of the upstream networks 140 and 150, thehandover information for notifying that there is no need to change theroute of the communication path 400, in the case of executing theInter-RAT handover. This allows the upstream networks 140 and 150 torecognize that there is no need to change the route of the communicationpath 400, and also allows the upstream networks 140 and 150 to recognizea change of the cell to which the mobile station 4 belongs.

<Fourth Embodiment>

This embodiment illustrates a specific example in which E-UTRAN is usedas the first RAT and UTRAN or a non-3GPP RAT is used as the second RATin the second and third embodiments described above. FIG. 9 is a diagramshowing a configuration example of the radio communication systemincluding the Multi-RAT base station 1 according to this embodiment. Inthe example shown in FIG. 9, the base station 1 supports three types ofRATs, specifically, E-UTRAN, UTRAN, and a non-3GPP RAT (e.g., cdma2000,WiMAX, or a wireless LAN). The base station 1 generates an E-UTRAN cellas the first cell 110 and generates a UTRAN cell as the second cell 120.The base station 1 also generates a non-3GPP cell as a third cell 130corresponding to the non-3GPP RAT.

The first upstream network 140 shown in FIG. 9 is the EPC correspondingto E-UTRAN. An S-GW 401 and a P-GW 42 correspond to the transfer nodes141 and 142, respectively. An MME 403 corresponds to the control node143. In this embodiment, the communication path 400 is a communicationpath for user data that is established between a P-GW and a base station(eNB) of E-UTRAN. In other words, the communication path 400 of thisembodiment corresponds to an EPS (Evolved Packet System) bearerincluding a GTP tunnel (S1 bearer) which is established between the basestation 1 and the S-GW 401, and a GTP tunnel (S5/S8 bearer) or a GREtunnel which is established between the S-GW 401 and the P-GW 42.

The second upstream network 150 shown in FIG. 9 is a GPRS packet coreand an RNC of UTRAN. An SGSN 501 corresponds to the transfer node 151and the control node 152. An RNC 202 also corresponds to the transfernode 151 and the control node 152.

A third upstream network 160 shown in FIG. 9 is a non-3GPP upstreamnetwork of the non-3GPP RAT. The third upstream network 160 includes atransfer node 601 and a control node 602.

The Multi-RAT base station 1 shown in FIG. 9 is configured not to changethe route of the EPS bearer 400, which is established between the basestation 1 and the P-GW 42, before and after the Inter-RAT handover ofthe mobile station 4 from the E-UTRAN cell 110 to the UTRAN cell 120 orthe non-3GPP cell 130. In other words, when the mobile station 4performs the handover from the E-UTRAN cell 110 to the UTRAN cell 120 orthe non-3GPP cell 130, the base station 1 continuously uses the EPSbearer 400, which is established before the handover, for transfer ofuser data even after the Inter-RAT handover, without changing the routeof the EPS bearer 400 so that it passes through the second upstreamnetwork 150 or the third upstream network 160.

FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the Inter-RAThandover procedure from the E-UTRAN cell 110 to the UTRAN cell 120 inthis embodiment. FIG. 10 corresponds to the procedure (FIG. 7) involvingthe transmission of the handover information described in the thirdembodiment. Step S61 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to step S21 shown inFIG. 7. Specifically, in step S61, the mobile station 4 is connected tothe Multi-RAT base station 1 via E-UTRAN and performs data communicationwith the P-GW 42 through the base station 1 and the EPC 140. Step S62shown in FIG. 10 is similar to step S22 shown in FIG. 7. Specifically,in step S62, the base station 1 determines the execution of theInter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to UTRAN, and the base station 1 and themobile station 4 prepare for the Inter-RAT handover.

Step S63 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to steps S41-1 and S41-2 shown inFIG. 7. Specifically, in step S63, the base station 1 sends handoverinformation to the MME 403 and the S-GW 401 which are disposed in thefirst upstream network (EPC) 140. The MME 403 notifies the RNC 202 andthe SGSN 501, which are disposed in the second upstream network (GPRSpacket core and RNC) 150, of the handover information.

Step S64 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to step S23 shown in FIG. 7.Specifically, in step S64, the mobile station 4 sends a connectionrequest to the base station 1 via the RAT of UTRAN, and is connected tothe UTRAN cell 120. Step S65 shown in FIG. 10 is similar to step S24shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, in step S65, the mobile station 4 isconnected to the Multi-RAT base station 1 via UTRAN and performs datacommunication with the P-GW 42 through the base station 1 and the firstupstream network (EPC) 140.

Next, the Inter-RAT handover from the E-UTRAN cell 110 to the non-3GPPcell 130 will be described. FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing anexample of the Inter-RAT handover procedure from the E-UTRAN cell 100 tothe non-3GPP cell 130 in this embodiment. FIG. 11 also corresponds tothe procedure (FIG. 7) involving the transmission of the handoverinformation described in the third embodiment. Step S71 shown in FIG. 11is similar to step S21 shown in FIG. 7.

Specifically, in step S71, the mobile station 4 is connected to theMulti-RAT base station 1 via E-UTRAN, and performs data communicationwith the P-GW 42 through the base station 1 and the EPC 140. Step S72shown in FIG. 11 is similar to step S22 shown in FIG. 7. Specifically,in step S72, the base station 1 determines the execution of theInter-RAT handover from E-UTRAN to the non-3GPP RAT, and the basestation 1 and the mobile station 4 prepare for the Inter-RAT handover.

Steps S73-1 and S73-2 shown in FIG. 11 are similar to steps S41-1 andS41-2 shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, in steps S73-1 and S73-2, theMulti-RAT base station 1 sends handover information to the firstupstream network (EPC) 140 and the third upstream network (non-3GPPupstream network) 160.

Step S74 shown in FIG. 11 is similar to step S23 shown in FIG. 7.Specifically, in step S74, the mobile station 4 sends a connectionrequest to the base station 1 via the non-3GPP RAT, and is connected tothe non-3GPP cell 130. Step S75 shown in FIG. 11 is similar to step S24shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, in step S75, the mobile station 4 isconnected to the Multi-RAT base station 1 via the non-3GPP RAT, andperforms data communication with the P-GW 42 through the base station 1and the first upstream network (EPC) 140.

This embodiment illustrates a specific example in which the Multi-RATbase station 1 supports three types of RATs. However, the Multi-RAT basestation 1 may support only two types of RATs, or may support four ormore types of RATs.

This embodiment also illustrates an example in which the procedure (FIG.7) involving the transmission of the handover information described inthe third embodiment is applied to the handover between E-UTRAN andUTRAN and to the handover between E-UTRAN and the non-3GPP RAT. However,the procedure (FIG. 4) described in the second embodiment that does notinvolve the transmission of the handover information can also be appliedto the Inter-RAT handover between E-UTRAN and UTRAN and to the Inter-RAThandover between E-UTRAN and the non-3GPP RAT.

<Fifth Embodiment>

The first embodiment described above illustrates an operation in whichthe Multi-RAT base station 1 uses, for transfer of user data, thecommunication path with the upstream network which does not correspondto the RAT used for connection of the Multi-RAT base station 1 with themobile station 4. This embodiment illustrates a specific example of thisoperation in which a communication path for transfer of user data isselected from among communication paths (including the communicationpath 400) that pass through different routes in upstream networks(including the upstream networks 140 and 150). A configuration exampleof a mobile communication system according to this embodiment may besimilar to the example of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1. Theconfiguration of the Multi-RAT base station according to this embodimentmay be similar to that of the block diagram shown in FIG. 2.

The Multi-RAT base station 1 according to this embodiment selects acommunication path for transfer of user data from among communicationpaths (including the communication path 400) that pass through differentroutes in upstream networks (including the upstream networks 140 and150). The selection of a communication path (or an upstream network) maybe carried out, for example, (a) during the attach procedure associatedwith power-on or cell re-selection of the mobile station 4, (b) duringthe handover of the mobile station 4 from a nearby cell, or (c) duringthe Inter-RAT handover of the mobile station 4 under the base station 1.The Multi-RAT base station 1 can use various conditions for selecting acommunication path for transfer of user data. Some specific examples ofthe conditions for selecting a communication path will be describedbelow.

(Specific Example 1: Load of Upstream Networks)

The base station 1 selects a communication path for transfer of userdata from among communication paths that pass through different paths inupstream networks (including the upstream networks 140 and 150), basedon a load of at least one of the upstream networks. Specifically, thebase station 1 may preferentially select, as the communication path fortransfer of user data, a communication path that passes through anupstream network having a relatively low load among the upstreamnetworks. As a more detailed example, the base station 1 maypreferentially select, as the communication path for transfer of userdata, a communication path that passes through an upstream networkhaving the lowest load among the upstream networks.

The load of the upstream networks may be evaluated based on, forexample, the processing load of the transfer node or control nodedisposed in the upstream networks, or the congestion state of thecommunication link. The base station 1 may recognize the load of theupstream networks by a notification from at least one of the pluralityof upstream networks. Alternatively, the base station 1 may recognizethe load of the upstream networks by a notification from an OAM(Operations Administration and Maintenance) server managed by atelecommunications carrier.

The selection of the communication path for transfer of user data inconsideration of the load of the upstream networks enables loaddistribution among the upstream networks. This leads to an improvementin communication capacity and an improvement in throughput.

(Specific Example 2: RAT Used in Nearby Cell)

The base station 1 selects a communication path for transfer of userdata from among a plurality of communication paths, based on a RAT usedby a nearby cell of the base station 1. Specifically, the base station 1may preferentially select, as the communication path for transfer ofuser data, a communication path that passes through the upstream networkcorresponding to a RAT used by at least one nearby base station disposedin the vicinity of the base station 1. As a more detailed example, thebase station 1 may select, as the communication path for transfer ofuser data, a communication path that passes through the upstream networkcorresponding to the RAT, which is most commonly used by one or morenearby base stations, among the plurality of RATs supported by the basestation 1 itself.

The base station 1 may recognize a RAT used in the nearby cell by anotification from the upstream networks. Alternatively, the base station1 may recognize the RAT is used in the nearby cell by a notificationfrom an OAM server. In one more alternative, the base station 1 maydirectly receive a status of use of a RAT from nearby base stations viacommunication interfaces with nearby base stations.

The selection of the communication path that passes through the upstreamnetwork corresponding to the RAT used in the nearby cell makes it onlynecessary to perform handover processing in a common upstream networkwhen the mobile station 4 performs a handover from the base station 1 tothe nearby cell. This leads to a reduction in delay of the handoverprocessing.

(Specific Example 3: The Presence and Availability of Upstream Networks)

The base station 1 selects a communication path used for transfer ofuser data from among a plurality of communication paths, based onwhether or not upstream networks (including the upstream networks 140and 150) are available to the base station 1. Specifically, the basestation 1 may preferentially select, as the communication path fortransfer of user data, a communication path that passes through anupstream network available to the base station 1. This allows the basestation 1 to use, for the radio link with the mobile station 4, the RATin which the corresponding upstream network is unavailable or notpresent.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a communicationprocedure according to this embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 12illustrates an example in which when the mobile station 4 sends anattach request to the base station 1, a communication path with anupstream network is selected. In step S81, the mobile station 4 sends aconnection request to the Multi-RAT base station 1 via the second RAT(the second cell 120), and is connected to the base station 1 via thesecond RAT. In step S82, the base station 1 selects a communication pathfor transfer of user data of the mobile station 4. In the example shownin FIG. 12, the base station 1 selects, as the communication path fortransfer of user data, one of the communication path 400 (thecommunication path that passes through the first upstream network 140)and a communication path that passes through the second upstream network150 corresponding to the second RAT. Here, a description is madeassuming that the communication path 400 is selected.

In step S83, the base station 1 executes signaling for establishing thecommunication path 400 with the first upstream network 140 correspondingto the communication path 400. In step S84, the mobile station 4 isconnected to the Multi-RAT base station 1 via the second RAT, andperforms data communication with the P-GW 42 by using the communicationpath 400 that passes through the base station 1 and the first upstreamnetwork 140.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation performed bythe base station 1 during the attach procedure for the mobile station 4according to this embodiment. In step S91, the communication pathcontrol unit 103 determines whether or not the connection request fromthe mobile station 4 has been received. When the connection request fromthe mobile station 4 has been received (YES in step 91), thecommunication path control unit 103 selects a communication path with anupstream network (step S92). In step S93, the communication path controlunit 103 requests the upstream network to establish the selectedcommunication path.

<Other Embodiments>

The first to fifth embodiments described above illustrate specificexamples of the Inter-RAT handover between E-UTRAN and UTRAN and theInter-RAT handover between E-UTRAN and the non-3GPP RAT. However, thefirst to third embodiments described above may also be applied to otherInter-RAT handovers.

The first to fifth embodiments described above can be combined asappropriate. For example, in addition to performing the selection of acommunication path with an upstream network as described in the fifthembodiment during the attach procedure for the mobile station 4, anoperation for maintaining the communication path may be performed beforeand after the handover described in the second to fourth embodimentsduring the subsequent Inter-RAT handover.

The processings performed by the base station 1, the mobile station 4,and the nodes (such as the control node 143 and the transfer node 141)disposed in the upstream networks 140, 150, and 160 as described in thefirst to fifth embodiments may be implemented by causing a computer,such as a microprocessor or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), to executea program. Specifically, a program including an instruction set forcausing a computer to execute an algorithm relating to the nodes, whichhave been described above with reference to the sequence diagrams andflowcharts of FIGS. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, and 13, may be created,and the program may be provided to the computer.

This program can be stored and provided to a computer using any type ofnon-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readablemedia include any type of tangible storage media. Examples ofnon-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media(such as floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives, etc.), opticalmagnetic storage media (e.g. magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read OnlyMemory), CD-R, CD-R/W, and semiconductor memories (such as mask ROM,PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (randomaccess memory), etc.). The program may be provided to a computer usingany type of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitorycomputer-readable media include electric signals, optical signals, andelectromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can providethe program to a computer via a wired communication line, such aselectric wires and optical fibers, or a wireless communication line.

Further, the embodiments described above are merely examples of theapplication of the technical idea obtained by the present inventors.That is, the technical idea is not limited only to the embodimentsdescribed above, but can be modified in various manners, as a matter ofcourse.

For example, all or some of the embodiments disclosed above can bedescribed as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

(Supplementary Note 1)

A radio communication system comprising:

a base station connectable to a mobile station via first and secondradio access technologies;

a first upstream network corresponding to the first radio accesstechnology; and

a second upstream network corresponding to the second radio accesstechnology,

wherein the base station is configured to control an inter-radio accesstechnology handover to switch a connection with the mobile station fromthe first radio access technology to the second radio access technology,and is configured to continuously use, for data transfer between themobile station and an external network, a communication path establishedbetween the base station and the first upstream network for the datatransfer before the handover, even after the handover without changing aroute of the communication path so that the communication path passesthrough the second upstream network.

(Supplementary Note 2)

The radio communication system according to Supplementary note 1,wherein during the handover, the base station sends, to at least one ofthe first and second upstream networks, a control message for notifyingthat switching of the communication path is unnecessary.

(Supplementary Note 3)

The radio communication system according to Supplementary note 1 or 2,wherein the communication path is a bearer established between the basestation and a transfer node that is disposed in the first upstreamnetwork and operates as a gateway to the external network.

(Supplementary Note 4)

The radio communication system according to any one of Supplementarynotes 1 to 3, wherein

the first radio access technology is an E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access Network) of 3GPP (3rd Generation PartnershipProject), and

the first upstream network includes an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) of3GPP.

(Supplementary Note 5)

The radio communication system according to Supplementary note 4,wherein

the second radio access technology is a UTRAN of 3GPP, and

the second upstream network includes a GPRS (General Packet RadioService) packet core of 3GPP.

(Supplementary Note 6)

The radio communication system according to Supplementary note 4,wherein

the second radio access technology is a non-3GPP radio accesstechnology, and

the second upstream network includes a non-3GPP radio access networkconnectable to the first upstream network.

(Supplementary Note 7)

A base station connectable to a mobile station via first and secondradio access technologies, the base station comprising:

a control unit that controls an inter-radio access technology handoverto switch a connection with the mobile station from the first radioaccess technology to the second radio access technology,

wherein the control unit continuously uses, for data transfer betweenthe mobile station and an external network, a communication pathestablished between the base station and a first upstream networkcorresponding to the first radio access technology for the data transferbefore the handover, even after the handover without changing a route ofthe communication path so that the communication path passes through asecond upstream network corresponding to the second radio accesstechnology.

(Supplementary Note 8)

The base station according to Supplementary note 7, wherein during thehandover, the base station sends, to at least one of the first andsecond upstream networks, a control message for notifying that switchingof the communication path is unnecessary.

(Supplementary Note 9)

The base station according to Supplementary note 7 or 8, wherein thecommunication path is a bearer established between the base station anda transfer node that is disposed in the first upstream network andoperates as a gateway to the external network.

(Supplementary Note 10)

The base station according to any one of Supplementary notes 7 to 9,wherein

the first radio access technology is an E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTSTerrestrial Radio Access Network) of 3GPP (3rd Generation PartnershipProject), and

the first upstream network includes an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) of3GPP.

(Supplementary Note 11)

The base station according to Supplementary note 10, wherein

the second radio access technology is a UTRAN of 3GPP, and the secondupstream network includes a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packetcore of 3GPP.

(Supplementary Note 12)

The base station according to Supplementary note 10, wherein the secondradio access technology is a non-3GPP radio access technology, and

the second upstream network includes a non-3GPP radio access networkconnectable to the first upstream network.

(Supplementary Note 13)

A method for controlling an inter-radio access technology handoverperformed by a base station that is connectable to a mobile station viafirst and second radio access technologies, the method comprising:

controlling an inter-radio access technology handover to switch aconnection with the mobile station from the first radio accesstechnology to the second radio access technology; and

continuously using, for data transfer between the mobile station and anexternal network, a communication path established between the basestation and a first upstream network corresponding to the first radioaccess technology for the data transfer before the handover, even afterthe handover without changing a route of the communication path so thatthe communication path passes through a second upstream networkcorresponding to the second radio access technology.

(Supplementary Note 14)

The method according to Supplementary note 13, further comprisingtransmitting, to at least one of the first and second upstream networks,a control message for notifying that switching of the communication pathis unnecessary, during the handover.

(Supplementary Note 15)

The method according to Supplementary note 13 or 14, wherein thecommunication path is a bearer established between the base station anda transfer node that is disposed in the first upstream network andoperates as a gateway to the external network.

(Supplementary Note 16)

A mobile station that is connectable to a base station according to anyone of Supplementary notes 7 to 12 via the first and second radio accesstechnologies.

(Supplementary Note 17)

A program for causing a computer to execute a method according to anyone of Supplementary notes 13 to 15.

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese patent application No. 2011-176785, filed on Aug. 12, 2011, thedisclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   1 MULTI-RAT BASE STATION-   4 MOBILE STATION-   70 EXTERNAL NETWORK-   101-1 RADIO COMMUNICATION UNIT-   101-2 RADIO COMMUNICATION UNIT-   102 COMMUNICATION UNIT-   103 COMMUNICATION PATH CONTROL UNIT-   110 FIRST CELL (e.g., E-UTRAN CELL) BY FIRST RAT-   120 SECOND CELL (e.g., UTRAN CELL) BY SECOND RAT-   130 THIRD CELL (e.g., NON-3GPP CELL) BY THIRD RAT-   140 FIRST UPSTREAM NETWORK (e.g., EPC)-   141 TRANSFER NODE-   142 TRANSFER NODE-   143 CONTROL NODE-   150 SECOND UPSTREAM NETWORK (e.g., GPRS PACKET CORE AND RNC)-   151 TRANSFER NODE-   152 CONTROL NODE-   160 THIRD UPSTREAM NETWORK (e.g., NON-3GPP UPSTREAM NETWORK)-   161 TRANSFER NODE-   162 CONTROL NODE-   400 COMMUNICATION PATH (BEARER)

The invention claimed is:
 1. A radio communication system comprising: abase station connectable to a mobile station via a plurality of radioaccess technologies including first and second radio accesstechnologies; and a plurality of upstream networks including a firstupstream network corresponding to the first radio access technology anda second upstream network different from the first upstream network andcorresponding to the second radio access technology, each of the firstand second network being connected to the base station, including agateway to an external network, and being configured to transfer userdata between the base station and the external network, wherein the basestation is configured to, when the mobile station communicate with thebase station using the second radio access technology, use a firstcommunication path that passes through the first upstream networkwithout passing through the second upstream network, for data transferbetween the mobile station and the external network.
 2. The radiocommunication system according to claim 1, wherein when an inter-radioaccess technology handover is performed to switch a connection with themobile station from the first radio access technology to the secondradio access technology, the base station is configured to continuouslyuse the first communication path, established before the handover, for adata transfer even after the handover.
 3. The radio communication systemaccording to claim 2, wherein during the handover, the base stationsends, to at least one of the first and second upstream networks, acontrol message for notifying that switching of the first communicationpath is unnecessary.
 4. The radio communication system according toclaim 1, wherein the first communication path is a bearer establishedbetween the base station and a transfer node that is disposed in thefirst upstream network and operates as a gateway to an external network.5. The radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein the basestation selects, based on a first condition, a communication path for adata transfer from among a plurality of communication paths that passthrough different routes in the plurality of upstream networks, theplurality of communication paths including the first communication path.6. The radio communication system according to claim 5, wherein thefirst condition relates to a load of at least one of the plurality ofupstream networks.
 7. The radio communication system according to claim6, wherein the base station preferentially selects, as the communicationpath for the data transfer, a communication path that passes through anupstream network having a first load rather than a upstream networkhaving a second load higher that the first load.
 8. The radiocommunication system according to claim 5, wherein the first conditionrelates to a radio access technology used in the vicinity of the basestation.
 9. The radio communication system according to claim 8, whereinthe base station preferentially selects, as the communication path forthe data transfer, a communication path that passes through an upstreamnetwork corresponding to a radio access technology used by at least onenearby base station disposed in the vicinity of the base station. 10.The radio communication system according to claim 5, wherein the firstcondition relates to whether or not the plurality of upstream networksare available to the base station.
 11. The radio communication systemaccording to claim 10, wherein the base station preferentially selects,as the communication path for the data transfer, a communication paththat passes through an upstream network available to the base station.12. The radio communication system according to claim 1, wherein thefirst radio access technology is an E-UTRAN (Evolved UMTS TerrestrialRadio Access Network) of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), andthe first upstream network includes an EPC (Evolved Packet Core) of3GPP.
 13. The radio communication system according to claim 12, whereinthe second radio access technology is a UTRAN of 3GPP, and the secondupstream network includes a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) packetcore of 3GPP.
 14. The radio communication system according to claim 12,wherein the second radio access technology is a non-3GPP radio accesstechnology, and the second upstream network includes a non-3GPP accessnetwork connectable to the first upstream network.
 15. A base stationconnectable to a mobile station via a plurality of radio accesstechnologies including first and second radio access technologies andalso connectable to a plurality of upstream networks including a firstupstream network corresponding to the first radio access technology anda second upstream network different from the first upstream network andcorresponding to the second radio access technology, each of the firstand second network being connected to the base station, including agateway to an external network, and being configured to transfer userdata between the base station and the external network, the base stationcomprising: communication path control unit configured to use, when themobile station communicate with the base station using the second radioaccess technology, a first communication path that passes through thefirst upstream network without passing through the second upstreamnetwork, for data transfer between the mobile station and the externalnetwork.
 16. The base station according to claim 15, wherein when aninter-radio access technology handover is performed to switch aconnection with the mobile station from the first radio accesstechnology to the second radio access technology, the communication pathcontrol unit continuously uses the first communication path, establishedbefore the handover, for a data transfer even after the handover. 17.The base station according to claim 16, wherein during the handover, thecommunication path control unit sends, to at least one of the first andsecond upstream networks, a control message for notifying that switchingof the first communication path is unnecessary.
 18. The base stationaccording to claim 15, wherein the first communication path is a bearerestablished between the base station and a transfer node that isdisposed in the first upstream network and operates as a gateway to anexternal network.
 19. The base station according to any one of claim 15,wherein the communication path control unit selects, based on a firstcondition, a communication path for a data transfer, from among aplurality of communication paths that pass through different routes inthe plurality of upstream networks including the first and secondupstream networks, the plurality of communication paths including thefirst communication path.
 20. The base station according to claim 19,wherein the first condition relates to a load of at least one of theplurality of upstream networks.
 21. The base station according to claim20, wherein the communication path control unit preferentially selects,as the communication path for the data transfer, a communication paththat passes through an upstream network having a first load rather thanan upstream network having a second load higher than the first load. 22.The base station according to claim 19, wherein the first conditionrelates to a radio access technology used in the vicinity of the basestation.
 23. The base station according to claim 22, wherein thecommunication path control unit preferentially selects, as thecommunication path for the data transfer, a communication path thatpasses through an upstream network corresponding to a radio accesstechnology used by at least one nearby base station disposed in thevicinity of the base station.
 24. The base station according to claim19, wherein the first condition relates to whether or not the pluralityof upstream networks are available to the base station.
 25. The basestation according to claim 24, wherein the communication path controlunit preferentially selects, as the communication path for the datatransfer, a communication path that passes through an upstream networkavailable to the base station.
 26. A communication method for a basestation connectable to a mobile station via a plurality of radio accesstechnologies including first and second radio access technologies andalso connectable to a plurality of upstream networks including a firstupstream network corresponding to the first radio access technology anda second upstream network different from the first upstream network andcorresponding to the second radio access technology, each of the firstand second network being connected to the base station, including agateway to an external network, and being configured to transfer userdata between the base station and the external network, thecommunication method comprising: using, when the mobile stationcommunicate with the base station using the second radio accesstechnology, a first communication path that passes through the firstupstream network without passing through the second upstream network,for data transfer between the mobile station and the external network.27. The method according to claim 26, wherein when an inter-radio accesstechnology handover is performed to switch a connection with the mobilestation from the first radio access technology to the second radioaccess technology, said using the first communication path includescontinuously using the first communication path, established before thehandover, for a data transfer even after the handover.
 28. The methodaccording to claim 27, further comprising sending, to at least one ofthe first and second upstream networks, a control message for notifyingthat switching of the first communication path is unnecessary, duringthe handover.
 29. The method according to claim 26, wherein the firstcommunication path is a bearer established between the base station anda transfer node that is disposed in the first upstream network andoperates as a gateway to an external network.
 30. The method accordingto claim 26, further comprising selecting, based on a first condition, acommunication path for a data transfer, from among a plurality ofcommunication paths that pass through different routes in the pluralityof upstream networks including the first and second upstream networks,the plurality of communication paths including the first communicationpath.
 31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the first conditionrelates to a load of at least one of the plurality of upstream networks.32. The method according to claim 31, wherein said selecting includespreferentially selecting, as the communication path for the datatransfer, a communication path that passes through an upstream networkhaving a first load rather than an upstream network having a second loadhigher than the first load.
 33. The method according to claim 30,wherein the first condition relates to a radio access technology used inthe vicinity of the base station.
 34. The method according to claim 33,wherein said selecting includes preferentially selecting, as thecommunication path for the data transfer, a communication path thatpasses through an upstream network corresponding to a radio accesstechnology used by at least one nearby base station disposed in thevicinity of the base station.
 35. The method according to claim 30,wherein the first condition relates to whether or not the plurality ofupstream networks are available to the base station.
 36. The methodaccording to claim 35, wherein said selecting includes preferentiallyselecting, as the communication path for the data transfer, acommunication path that passes through an upstream network available tothe base station.
 37. A mobile station used in a radio communicationsystem, the radio communication system comprising: a plurality ofupstream networks including a first upstream network corresponding to afirst radio access technology and a second upstream network differentfrom the first upstream network and corresponding to a second radioaccess technology, each of the first and second network being connectedto the base station, including a gateway to an external network, andbeing configured to transfer user data between the base station and theexternal network; and a base station that is configured to beconnectable to the mobile station by a plurality of radio accesstechnologies including the first and second radio access technologies,and is configured to, when the mobile station communicate with the basestation using the second radio access technology, use a firstcommunication path that passes through the first upstream networkwithout passing through the second upstream network, for data transferbetween the mobile station and the external network, and the mobilestation is configured to be connected to the base station via at leastone of the first and second radio access technologies.
 38. The mobilestation according to claim 37, wherein the mobile station is configuredto perform an inter-radio access technology handover to switch aconnection with the base station from the first radio access technologyto the second radio access technology, and also configured tocontinuously uses the first communication path, established before thehandover, for a data transfer even after the handover.
 39. The mobilestation according to claim 37, wherein the mobile station performs adata transfer by using a communication path selected based on a firstcondition from among a plurality of communication paths that passthrough different routes in the plurality of upstream networks, theplurality of communication paths including the first communication path.40. The mobile station according to claim 39, wherein the firstcondition relates to a load of at least one of the plurality of upstreamnetworks.
 41. The mobile station according to claim 40, wherein theselection based on the first condition includes preferentiallyselecting, as the communication path for the data transfer, acommunication path that passes through an upstream network having afirst load rather than an upstream network having a second load higherthan the first load.
 42. The mobile station according to claim 39,wherein the first condition relates to a radio access technology used inthe vicinity of the base station.
 43. The mobile station according toclaim 42, wherein the selection based on the first condition includespreferentially selecting, as the communication path for the datatransfer, a communication path that passes through an upstream networkcorresponding to a radio access technology used by at least one nearbybase station disposed in the vicinity of the base station.
 44. Themobile station according to claim 39, wherein the selection based on thefirst condition is performed by the base station.
 45. A non-transitorycomputer-readable medium storing a program for causing a computer toexecute a communication method for a base station, wherein the basestation is connectable to a mobile station by a plurality of radioaccess technologies including first and second radio access technologiesand also connectable to a plurality of upstream networks including afirst upstream network corresponding to the first radio accesstechnology and a second upstream network different from the firstupstream network and corresponding to the second radio accesstechnology, each of the first and second network being connected to thebase station, including a gateway to an external network, and beingconfigured to transfer user data between the base station and theexternal network, and the method comprises controlling the base stationso as to, when the mobile station communicate with the base stationusing the second radio access technology, use a communication path thatpasses through the first upstream network without passing through thesecond upstream network, for data transfer between the mobile stationand the external network.